A large gray hawk flew circles high over Nicole’s head. She glanced at it for only a moment, and then turned to gallop to the southern end of the corral, pushing the speckled stallion to his top speed. As they neared the highest stretch of the fence, Nicole leaned forward and whispered to the gentle, but sturdy steed. “Over the wall to freedom, my friend and l will take you on a great adventure.”
The stallion shook its silky mane in response. Surging forward, it cleared the fence. Straining with the effort, yet landing silently on the grass in the meadow beyond. Nicole’s shout of praise met the ears of a large, black stallion who immediately issued a loud and challenging neigh in response. Her horse snorted in panic, repeatedly blowing as he backed away from the beast’s challenge. The young stallion’s fear shot through Nicole like a jolt of electricity. She gasped and fought to control him. The horse reared trying to free break its master’s grip. The small stallion shot forward and raced back toward the fence. Unprepared for the sudden movement, Nicole fell onto the grass. Rolling with the impact, she arose quickly and effortlessly as the pounding hooves approached her.
Nicole spun to face the advancing stallion. She thrust out her arms and called to the beast without thinking, “Hold! We mean no challenge!” Ignoring the voice of panic inside of her, she moved forward trying to place herself between the stallion and its prey. The black beast slowed slightly, then changed direction and headed for Nicole.
Stunned by the beauty of the animal, Nicole’s fear vanished. She could only stare in awe. The stallion came to a sudden halt inches before her. It pawed and stomped on the ground, leaving its hoof prints in the lush grass. Standing before it, Nicole stared into its dark eyes. ‘‘I know someone who is perfect for you,” Nicole whispered reaching out to touch its nose. “You are so much more beautiful than he, more beautiful than any horse I have ever seen.” The stallion allowed her touch and calmed to her soothing voice. “You are magnificent,” she continued moving closer to stroke the horse’s throat. “This is not the life for you, shut away from the rest of the world. You should be free to wander like the wind.” Surprised at her words, Nicole added, “That shall be your name, Wind.”
“He ain’t part of the deal and he ain’t for sale,” a small voice said behind her. Nicole turned to find the stable boy opening a gate in the fence. She smiled as the speckled gray pushed quickly past him back into the first corral. “I know,” she replied, meeting his gaze.
“How?” The boy’s eyes narrowed as he closed the gate, defensively placing it between them.
“No one can own the Wind,” Nicole stated simply. “Look around.” The fence that enclosed the large meadow was much taller than the first but just as old and in disrepair. The tree line ran across the length of the corral opposite the stables. “He has allowed you to feed and care for him while he waited for us.”
“That so?” the boy replied. He tapped his hand on the splintered gate and shook his head slowly making it clear he was suspicious of Nicole’s words.
“Do you honestly think this patch of run-down fence can hold him?” Nicole asked, casually stroking the horse’s mane.
“It has so far,” the boy answered defiantly.
“Has it?” Nicole released the stallion. Without a word, the black beast turned and headed for the kid. Clutching the fence in alarm, he gasped as the horse crossed the short distance and leaped over his head with ease.
“That’s not fair!” he shouted at Nicole, “You told ‘em to do that.”
“He’s been doing it all along.” Nicole laughed, “That chubby mare over there is going to give you a beautiful black foal.”
“You’re a trouble, maker!” The boy spat, ducking quickly as the stallion jumped back over the tall fence to stand beside Nicole. “That stallion ain’t let a soul near ‘em in the last three months! You bewitched ‘em! All you woodlands are reckless with your magic just like the fairies and nymphs! “
“Woodlands?” Nicole asked, wondering if there were different types of elves.
“Oh, I know who ya are. You are one of them all right. Woodland Elf, sister to the forest nymphs. Yer one with the animals, they flock to ya and do yer every biddin’. You’re not like the true elves, with your magic spells and all. So, don’t try any of your magic on me! It ain’t gonna work; I ain’t no one’s slave!” he screamed and ran back to the stables stumbling the entire way in his terrified haste to escape.